It’s time for one of wrestling fans’ most favorite events of the year: WarGames! When NXT 2.0 was announced, I was very nervous the annual highlight would be done away with, but I am happy this was grandfathered over. Fun is one thing that is always guaranteed with a WarGames match, and I’m sure this year will be sure to deliver! So with all of that said, let’s dive in with an NXT WarGames preview and set of predictions.
NXT WarGames Match Card
WarGames Match: Raquel Gonzalez, Cora Jade, Io Shirai, and Kay Lee Ray vs. Dakota Kai and Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne)
Hair vs. Hair Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson
NXT Tag Team Championship: Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Roderick Strong (c) vs. Joe Gacy
WarGames Match: Team Black & Gold (Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and L.A. Knight) vs. Team 2.0 (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D’Angelo)
NXT WarGames Predictions
NXT Tag Team Championship: Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner
This match will have the eyes of both fans and management as it will be the first major test for Von Wagner. Facing Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel, two pillars for both NXT and NXT UK’s tag team division, will show where he stands in the new NXT.
I do believe Imperium will walk out with the NXT Tag Team Championship still in their possession. However, regardless of the outcome, this should be a great match with Imperium’s chemistry and Kyle O’Reilly involved!
Prediction: Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel)
WarGames Match: Raquel Gonzalez, Cora Jade, Io Shirai, and Kay Lee Ray vs. Dakota Kai and Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne)
We now get to my pick for match of the night! The story elements in this match, on top of the talent involved, create the night’s most interesting dynamic. You have the newest chapter between Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, the set-up for the next threat to Toxic Attraction’s hold on all of the NXT gold, and of course, you have Io Shirai, who is guaranteed to shine in a match like this.
On top of everything I just mentioned, this is also the least predictable match on the card, which adds to the excitement. Still, I have to pick and will go with the heels to pick up the win.
Prediction: Dakota Kai and Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne)
WarGames Match: Team Black & Gold (Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and L.A. Knight) vs. Team 2.0 (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D’Angelo)
We finally get to the main event! The old guard of NXT looks to defend their roles in NXT against the new guard of NXT 2.0 that hopes to establish themselves with a big win. I firmly believe we will see the latter play out.
In particular, Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes have a lot of potential. Breakker has been at the forefront of NXT since the switch over to 2.0, and Hayes has been given a great spot, but I believe this will be an excellent showcase for him. The WarGames match may even be looked at as Hayes’ breakout moment as it is a bout that can allow him to cut loose with his athleticism.
No matter what, as I said initially, WarGames is always a fun match, and I look forward to it.
Prediction: Team 2.0
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